The Santa Cruz Port District has once again earned a Clean Marina designation! Since 2007, the District has routinely completed the rigorous recertification process, which takes place every five years to maintain its Clean Marina designation. The district earned the certification with a high score of 95%.

The Clean Marina Initiative is a voluntary, incentive-based program that encourages marina operators and recreational boaters to protect coastal water quality by engaging in environmentally sound operating and maintenance procedures. While Clean Marina Programs vary from state to state, all programs offer information, guidance, and technical assistance to marina operators, local governments, and recreational boaters on Best Management Practices (BMPs) that can be used to prevent or reduce pollution. Marinas that participate in the Clean Marina Program are recognized for their environmental stewardship.

In an effort to maintain our Clean Marina designation, staff would like to encourage slip renters and visitors to participate in keeping the harbor clean!

Here are a few guidelines to follow:

• Follow appropriate disposal methods for oil, fuel, and other hazardous waste
• Inform harbor personnel of any hazardous material spill
• Use dumpsters and trash receptacles to dispose of garbage and other waste
• Use oil-absorbent pads to soak up oily bilge water and dispose of used pads at an approved collection station
• Do not fuel vessels from portable fuel containers while in the harbor Clean fish only at designated fish cleaning stations
• Properly dispose of fish waste in covered trash cans

The following items may be disposed of at any of the four waste oil stations located at S-dock, X-dock, FF-dock, and G-dock:

• Antifreeze
• Batteries
• Oil Filters
• Waste Oils

Items not accepted at the above locations:

• Old gasoline (with or without water contamination) 
• Waste oil contaminated with water
• Solvents
• Oil-based sludges or solids

The following guidelines must be followed when leaving hazardous waste at one of these stations:

• Antifreeze should be left in marked containers. Antifreeze should never be poured into waste oil containers.
• Batteries may be left inside the door, or outside if space is not available.
• Oil filters should be placed in the containers provided.
• Waste oil should be poured into the tank itself. Please leave empty waste oil containers in the garbage cans provided.

For complete guidelines on the proper procedure for leaving hazardous waste at one of these stations, please view our "Instructions for Hazardous Waste Disposal" brochure below.